Approaching Life Like Perabo and Thoreau
January 22nd, 2007 by RonI struggle to stay focused, to keep myself in charge of how I feel, instead of letting my emotions float on the murky and sometimes turbulent waters of my thoughts. I have been working hard recently to allow myself to consciously dictate how I see my day progressing, so that, as Thoreau said, I can live the life that I imagine. Sometimes I am successful, and I feel in charge. I then feel confident enough to stay at risk in my social interactions, propelling me to make deeper connections, and to proceed into the future professionally with the attitude that everything is going to be OK. There’s nothing that stifles creativity more than worry and doubt, and nothing more inspirational than confidence.
I believe we create the life we live from within our own imaginations. You may have heard the maxim that the universe gives back to us what we give to it – the “what goes around comes around” theory. There are many examples throughout history, an obvious one being Mother Theresa, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize after dedicating her life to helping the poor and needy (and, let’s not forget she’s now a Saint!). There are plenty of other examples, but this is starting to feel like a history lesson and that’s not where I want to go with it. I’d rather write on a more personal level.
I try to keep in mind that when I see myself as a have-not, I will present myself to the world from a position of deprivation. If the Universe naturally gives back to me what I put into it, it follows then that my position of deprivation will not be rewarded. In fact, things may get worse. I have struggled at times, and wondered why I continue to flounder even though I have such a good attitude. Haven’t I presented myself as a winner? Haven’t I wanted success so much I can taste it? Practically demanded it? I’ve worked so hard, why am I not where I want to be?
Perhaps the answer lies in all of those questions, which seem to be desperate pleas to the universe to save me. Certainly, this is not the way to achieve success, or happiness, or whatever I might want out of life. When I realize this, I can finally do the work – and it is a constant struggle for me – to reshape my thoughts, and learn that the way to succeed is to find real joy in the act of giving. If I truly feel that I am a winner and that I have something of value to offer, and I proceed into the world giving of myself freely and confidently, I am going to be a lot more fun to be around and my business will more than likely thrive.
It’s difficult for any of us to start thinking like winners if we’ve spent a lot of time feeling inferior. It’s difficult to think of ourselves as having something of value to offer, if we’ve spent a lifetime wanting to be rescued. When I look to others to pull me out of my shell in social situations, more often than not, I wind up feeling isolated and ignored. In my career, I’ve tended to chase after money, rushing toward a nebulous goal of financial independence, without stopping to notice that joy lies in the process. Both are difficult things to do. I think the answer is to approach it day-by-day, or more precisely moment-by-moment.
I try to remember the Olympic skier, who stands at the top of the course, concentrating on the run ahead. Bobbing slightly from side-to-side, the athlete visualizes a successful run down the course before confidently bursting through the gates towards his goal. I try to emulate the Olympic skier every morning, picturing myself enjoying my day, presenting myself confidently, with an open heart and mind. Of course, I fail at times, but with practice, I find my days starting to go as planned. If I work towards consciousness in the moment, I am re-directed when I get off track, and am able to re-connect with the understanding that I have a lot to offer the world, and ultimately, I find the confidence to give it freely.
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January 31st, 2007 at 9:17 am